AI Engineer - Remote Opportunity
About the Company
Optum Tech, part of UnitedHealth Group, works on technology solutions that support healthcare and related services. This role supports the PATH initiative, focusing on establishing an AI-first engineering approach and delivering responsible, enterprise-scale AI solutions.
About the Role
Optum Tech is seeking a Lead AI Engineer to define the AI engineering vision, architecture, and roadmap for the PATH platform. This role will lead the adoption of AI-enabled software development practices across the software development lifecycle, from requirements and design through deployment, operations, and support. The Lead AI Engineer will combine hands-on expertise in generative and agentic AI with senior technical leadership, helping engineering teams improve productivity, software quality, and operational efficiency. The role also involves establishing responsible AI governance, guiding teams on emerging AI technologies, and resolving complex technical issues across applications, integrations, data, cloud architecture, and production systems.
Key Responsibilities
Define and execute the AI-first engineering vision, architecture, and roadmap for the PATH platform. Lead the adoption of an AI-enabled Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) across requirements, design, coding, testing, deployment, operations, and support. Establish measurable goals for engineering productivity, software quality, and efficiency using AI-powered development practices. Drive the adoption of Generative AI, Agentic AI, copilots, intelligent automation, and knowledge-driven workflows. Implement AI-assisted engineering practices for code reviews, test generation, documentation, incident analysis, and DevSecOps automation. Establish AI governance frameworks, including responsible AI controls, model evaluation processes, security guardrails, and compliance standards. Mentor engineering teams on prompt engineering, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), agent frameworks, AI observability, and AI solution architecture. Serve as a senior technical leader and escalation point for critical application, integration, data, batch processing, cloud architecture, and production issues. Translate complex business and regulatory requirements into technical designs, implementation plans, and engineering deliverables. Integrate enterprise AI tools into development workflows and establish AI-related goals within development plans. Promote responsible and ethical AI adoption across engineering teams. Measure AI-driven productivity gains, efficiency improvements, and key engineering performance indicators.
Required Qualifications
At least 10 years of enterprise software engineering experience. At least 5 years of experience as a Lead Engineer, Architect, or in a senior technical leadership role. At least 3 years of demonstrated experience leading AI transformation, AI-enabled SDLC initiatives, or enterprise AI adoption programs. Hands-on experience with Generative AI, Agentic AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), RAG, vector databases, AI orchestration, and model evaluation. Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, along with DevSecOps, CI/CD automation, monitoring, and observability tools. Experience working in government or regulated environments, such as Human Services, Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, Child Welfare, or Eligibility systems. Experience measuring AI-driven productivity improvements, operational efficiency, and engineering KPIs.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related technical field. Experience building AI Centers of Excellence, AI governance programs, or enterprise AI platforms. Demonstrated ability to establish responsible AI controls, security guardrails, and compliance frameworks. Proven ability to influence cross-functional technical delivery without relying on direct reporting authority. Technical Skills Generative AI, Agentic AI, and Large Language Models (LLMs). Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), vector databases, AI orchestration, and model evaluation. AWS cloud services, DevSecOps, CI/CD automation, monitoring, and observability tools. Prompt engineering, copilots, intelligent automation, agent frameworks, and AI observability. Position Details Work Arrangement: Remote within the United States, subject to location-specific requirements. Salary Range: $112,700–$193,200 annually based on full-time employment. Office Requirements: Employees hired in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area must work in the office at least four days per week. Remote Work Policy: Remote employees must comply with UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy. Benefits and Perks Comprehensive benefits package. Incentive and recognition programs. Equity stock purchase plan. 401(k) contribution. Benefits are subject to applicable eligibility requirements. Additional Employment Information The position is posted for a minimum of two business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. The posting may close earlier depending on application volume. UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates must pass a drug test before beginning employment.